Aleyda’s Tex-Mex closes after today

Known for her made-from-scratch food and exotic birds, Aleyda Cardona has been a fixture at 1890 Okeechobee Blvd. near Interstate 95 for years. But the whimsical restaurant will make way for new development, according to a news release.

Cardona has been cooking for Palm Beach County since 1976, when she started her first food truck. The family restaurant employs 21 people.

Her Amazon parrots Rosita and Paco and cockatoo Pepper were stolen 3 1/2 years ago, causing outrage from her loyal customers. But they were found and returned.

While the restaurant closes after business today, Cardona days she’ll be on-site over the next few weeks for customers who want to stop and say goodbye.